Rumors of a serial killer stalking the streets of Jacksonville made waves online this week—but law enforcement isn’t buying it.
Authorities in Jacksonville, Florida, are investigating the deaths of three women found on three separate days. Although the cases raised concerns on social media, police stated that the incidents are unrelated and do not suggest a wider threat to the public, Fox News reported.
The wave of panic began after the body of 24-year-old Cherrish Nunley was found fatally shot in a parking lot near Sunbeam Road on Saturday, November 15. Nunley, a mother of two, was described in a public memorial post as a “bright, beautiful girl” who was “killed in cold blood.” A family GoFundMe page mourned her loss and sought help with expenses.
Three Dead In Three Days Sparks Speculation
The next day, November 16, a fisherman discovered the body of Tiffany Felton beneath a bridge on Blanding Boulevard. The location and nature of her death added fuel to the online firestorm of speculation. Community activists also expressed dismay at the cruelty of the act.
“This was an unnecessary killing,” said AJ Jordan, outreach coordinator with MAD DADS, in reference to Felton’s death. “Him or her left this lady under a bridge. It’s just, it’s just sad.”
Then, on Monday, November 17, authorities responded to a rooming house in Jacksonville’s Phoenix neighborhood and found another woman unresponsive. Details surrounding her death have not yet been released by officials.
Authorities Say Incidents Are Not Linked
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) has addressed the situation directly, pushing back strongly against the notion of a serial killer loose in the community. In a statement released on Tuesday, the department said, “JSO is aware of rumors circulating about a serial killer on the loose in Jacksonville. We can confirm these claims are FALSE.”
The office emphasized that each case is being handled separately, stating, “Our detectives are investigating recent homicide cases that involve female victims, following the facts and evidence in each case. We will share updates as soon as we can, but we want to reassure the community that there is no danger to the public related to these incidents.”
Still, social media users were quick to question the official account, drawing comparisons to infamous names like Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy. In the digital town square, anxiety trumps patience.
Skepticism Grows Amid Lack Of Arrests
Despite public statements, the uncertainty leaves plenty of room for speculation. As of Tuesday, authorities have yet to announce any suspects or arrests in the three deaths. That silence has become a megaphone for doubt.
“Three bodies in three days? Forgive me, but you can’t credibly say it’s not a serial killer if you haven’t solved it yet,” commented one user online. That kind of skepticism may resonate with people who’ve seen too many government narratives unravel in the rearview mirror.
Another user sarcastically remarked, “Isn’t this what the police say in every serial killer movie?”—a jab that reflects more than just pop culture cynicism. It’s a glimpse into the public’s eroded trust in institutions that once commanded confidence.
Modern Policing Meets Viral Distrust
The JSO may be “following the facts and evidence,” but in an age driven by viral posts and online sleuthing, that approach often plays catch-up. Reassurances about public safety tend to fall flat when three women are dead within 72 hours and the headlines offer few answers.
It doesn't help that critics accuse police departments of downplaying alarming patterns, particularly when women are involved, out of fear of public panic or misplaced scrutiny. While that’s not proven here, in today’s climate, perception can become its own form of reality.
The tension between policing facts and protecting perceptions continues to tighten. Though the urge to “wait for evidence” is rational, it's hard to expect calm when families are planning funerals and the public knows as much as it did three days ago: almost nothing.
